Steam mops make for a cleaner house, but how do you choose the right one? We explore steam-powered cleaning in our Betta Advice corner!

Why Use a Steam Mop?

Steam mops are valued by many because they heat tap water into steam, and use that to clean without the aid of any chemical products. This also makes them more easily accessible for a quick clean than traditional mops, meaning a home can be kept clean with little hassle. They’re also used by many people with crawling children in the house, as they tend to get into every nook and cranny.

Steam Mop Types

There are steam mops, and there are steam cleaners. The former is the more cost-effective option, which is an upright cleaner, used like a cross between a mop and a vacuum. These units are designed purely for cleaning floors, using their steam to dislodge dirt and to kill bacteria in a more effective way than a traditional mop.

The second type is called a steam cleaner. These units are somewhat more expensive, but they are designed for a range of purposes beyond floor cleaning. Similar in shape to a barrel vacuum, these cleaners are usually on wheels and come with a variety of attachments that can be used to clean sinks and showers, among others. Steam cleaners also have a greater water/steam capacity due to their size, meaning they can clean for longer without needing to be refilled.

Choosing a Steam MopThere are a few considerations to make when choosing a steam mop. If you have a large space to clean, consider purchasing a unit with a greater water capacity, as the need to refill can interrupt household cleaning. In fact, some models will need to cool down before they can be topped up again – be sure to check on this at the time of purchase!

Using a Steam MopBe sure to thoroughly read included instructions, especially if you’ve never used a steam mop before. When used improperly, steam mops can cause injury to you, or damage to your floor.

Where the Steam Mop WorksSteam mops work best on hard, sealed surfaces like tiles, laminate and timber. These surfaces should also be swept of vacuumed regularly, as the steam mop will not suck up or eliminate surface dirt in any way. Some models are also able to refresh carpets, meaning they can eliminate odours tapped in the fibres.